Min. Natalia Quintavalle, the new Consul General of Italy in New York, was honored September 15, 2011, with the GEI Freindship Award bestowed by GEI President Lucio Caputo at a Le Cirque luncheon in her honor. Photo: Riccardo Chioni

Hon. Fabrizio Cicchitto, president of PDL Deputies of the Italian Chamber of Deputies, accepts the GEI Friendship Award from GEI President Lucio Caputo May 13, 2011, luncheon at Le Cirque in New York.

At the May 13 GEI luncheon, Lucio Caputo accepts Italian Chamber of Deputies commemorative plate from Fabrizio Cicchitto. L. to r., Hon. Osvaldo Napoli, Hon. Amato Berardi, Dott.ssa Alma Laias, head of International Affairs, Hon. Fabrizio Cicchitto, Lucio Caputo and Minister Francesco Talò, Consul General of Italy.

John Mariani, food and wine editor, receives GEI Friendship Award from GEI President Lucio Caputo March 16, 2011, at a Le Cirque luncheon in Mr. Mariani's honor.

Pietro Scott Jovane, CEO of Microsoft Italy, accepts the GEI Friendship Award from GEI President Lucio Caputo at a March 15, 2011, Le Cirque luncheon in his honor.

Designer Massimo Vignelli receives a GEI plaque from GEI President Lucio Caputo January 16, 2011, at a luncheon in Mr. Vignelli's honor at Restaurant SD26.

Hon. Giulio Terzi di Sant'Agata accepts GEI plaque from Dr. Caputo for his timeless efforts and great success as Italy's Ambassador to the U.S.

A view of New York's Le Cirque Restaurant where Amb. Terzi was honored Feb. 17, 2011, at a luncheon in his honor.